UK Comedian Faces Turkish Prison Over Unpaid Zara Items

A stand-up comedian, Cerys Nelmes, is embroiled in a legal battle in Turkey, claiming she was arrested and detained after inadvertently leaving a high street shop without paying for goods. In a tearful Facebook video shared with her followers, Nelmes, a familiar face on the Bristol comedy circuit, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating she returned the items "straight away" and offered payment, yet now faces the daunting prospect of a three-year jail term.

Nelmes, who bravely transitioned from a career as a firefighter to a comedian, hails from the Cotswolds. Her primary concern, as expressed in her emotional plea, is the potential loss of the home she shares with her son if she is unable to continue working and earning an income.

In her distressing video, Nelmes urged for her story to be widely publicized, alleging severe mistreatment during her time at a Turkish police station. She claimed she was denied basic amenities such as food and access to a lavatory. When she requested water, officers reportedly pretended not to understand her, exacerbating her distress.

The situation escalated significantly after Nelmes's appearance before a Turkish judge, where a translator delivered the shocking news of the severe sentence she could potentially face.

"On Tuesday [July 22, 2025], I left a Zara store in Istanbul without paying for items. I returned straight away and handed the items to staff," Nelmes explained, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. "I was asked to pay and I said I would, and the manager accepted this."

"To cut a long story short, I was taken to a locked room where hours later, after no communication from anyone, I was taken away by police and held in a police station and was asked to sign things I couldn't read."

Her harrowing account continued: "I was put in a prison cell for 24 hours with no food or toilet facilities. When I asked for water, I was told they didn't understand me. I was handcuffed and taken for fingerprints and mugshots at 3 AM. I was handcuffed and taken to court the following day and put in a cell."

"I appeared before the judge and was told by a translator that I was released, but unable to leave Turkey for an undetermined amount of time. He said I was lucky not to be put in prison but I currently face up to three years."

As part of her release conditions, Nelmes is required to report to a local police station every Monday.

Currently, Nelmes is relying on the kindness of friends in Turkey who are providing her with accommodation and attempting to translate the complex legal paperwork. Her immediate concerns are mounting: "I have no money, no earnings coming in from home, and I am running out of important medication." The fear of losing her home and livelihood is palpable.

"I am not looking for sympathy. I made a mistake which I tried to immediately rectify," she emphasized. "I am embarrassed for my friends, my family, and I have made my 78-year-old mum unwell. I will never forgive myself for what I have done."

Nelmes believes her actions may have been influenced by "mental health medical problems," but she insists, "ultimately there is no excuse." Her urgent plea is for widespread awareness of her situation in the hope of returning to the UK.

"All I can do to end this video is say I'm sorry," she concluded tearfully.

An FCDO spokesperson has confirmed, "We are providing assistance to a British national in Turkey." This incident serves as a stark reminder to all travelers of the potential legal complexities and strict enforcement of laws in foreign countries, even for seemingly minor infractions. It also highlights the critical importance of understanding local laws and seeking immediate consular assistance if detained abroad.